Opinion
We Are Not Alone
Joan was born at the end of World War II, during the 1950s; she was a primary school pupil at St. Saviour’s (UNA) School, Kreigani in the present Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria. James, her father, was a staff of UAC, the British trading company located at Beach, Alinso Okeanu next door to Kreigani; Joan’s mother, Virginia, was a seamstress. In the history of the family of five, none of the three children had ever been flogged in school either for fees or whatever else; theirs was a family of modest means but they had all the basic comfort and, most of all, there was more than enough love to share.
In 1954, Joan’s younger and only brother, Enoch, took ill and was hospitalised at Joinkrama in the present Ahoada West LGA, Rivers State. Due to the cost of Enoch’s treatment, Joan’s school fees of eight pence was not paid so she was flogged by the headmaster who was very dexterous with the cane; however, Joan was allowed to stay in class. Meanwhile, James had travelled on the aquatic highway to Joinkrama to visit his wife and son who was in the private care of Mr. Lagos Joel, a male nurse that offered to tend to Enoch when the hospital gave up on him. Conscious of the dire financial and emotional situation of the family and the health condition of Enoch and knowing that given the absence of her parents she would not pay the fees until her father returned, Joan cried very bitterly on her way home and virtually throughout the night.
The next morning, Joan resolved to face the cane rather than miss classes. She got up early as usual and headed to the beach to take her bath. On the path to the beach, she saw shiny eight pence symmetrically arranged heads up indicating that they did not fall randomly from someone’s pocket; there was no dew on them, which meant that they were placed there that morning. Again, the dew on the grasses that wet her well-crafted legs on the path was incontrovertible telltale of her being the first person on the path that morning. Her conclusion was therefore that God placed the money there for her and so she picked them; at school, she confidently paid her fees with absolute gratitude to God.
In another episode, on February 29, 2000, Blessing Richard was in protracted labour at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt; it was such that she thought she was going to die; so, she prayed fervently not to die in her twenties and leave her children behind. Shortly thereafter, a doctor walked into the labour room, came to her, chitty chatted briefly with her and told her to push; she did and her baby arrived. The doctor took her folder and wrote on it and left. In her words “the doctor was tall and good looking; there was no nurse around at the time.” It turned out that no one knew the doctor, he did not write his name; no one was familiar with the signature and no doctor on duty fit the description. He just walked in, performed the assigned duty and walked away into the light of the day.
In a similar episode on July 28, 2015, Ugochi Vincent went into labour; she was taken to a clinic in Omoku where she spent one week before being referred to Federal Medical Center (FMC) Owerri; unfortunately, the hospital staff were on strike. At Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Port Harcourt she was also rejected on account of the strike. UPTH refused to admit her because of a standing order not to operate without available incubator; at the Military Hospital, Aba Road, Port Harcourt, it was the same story. Government Hospital, Emenike Street demanded a deposit of N50,000.00, which she did not have and they rejected the N20,000.00 in her possession; so, Ugochi slept in the corridor for four days, IN LABOUR!!! Eventually, a hospital in Mile II, Diobu admitted her and successfully conducted Cesarean Section (CS) on August 6, 2015. Subsequently, she was billed for further surgery for a postnatal complication that had become a mystery. Sufficiently frightened, she confided in her cousin the premonition that she will not come out of the theater alive if she ever goes there. Like Blessing, she prayed fervently not to be taken to the theater. Meanwhile, the doctor and his team had concluded preparations to wheel her there the next morning. Later that evening, a doctor came to her bedside, chatted briefly with her, looked at her eyes, touched her stomach and asked if she was hungry to which she answered in the affirmative. The doctor then directed her to eat, which was against the instruction since she was being prepared for surgery the next morning; immediately, her cousin quickly brought food and she ate. Shortly thereafter, nature called and she defecated profusely; that ended the mystery of the intestinal blockage. The next morning, the medical team wondered what happened. But the greater wonder was the identity of the doctor: no one knows him; being a private clinic, it was unusual to have multiple doctors on duty; there were only two doctors on duty and he was not one of them; he did not leave a name; and no one in the hospital fit his “tall and handsome” description. Till date, Blessing and Ugochi refer to him as “miracle doctor;” an occurrence and a description set apart by six years yet sharing the same uncanny exactitude.
The questions that draw from the mystery of the above anecdotes are: (1) was it God that placed the money at the path for Joan? and (2) were the mystery doctors in Blessing and Ugochi’s accounts angels from heaven? By way of an answer, this author offers an emphatic NO. The point is that man has been mind-controlled into simplistically ascribing things that mystify him to either God or Satan and this is because of his limited consciousness of the world around him; that way, he does not stretch his mind in thought; for that is a path he has been dutifully conditioned by institutional religion from the cradle not to thread. Jesus Christ it was who said “in my Father’s house are many mansions…if it were not so I would have told you.” (John, 14:2) Sadly, the clergy of Christendom have failed to shed light on that weighty and pivotal statement and millions of the faithful dire not commit the blasphemy of asking, seeking and knocking even when Jesus encouraged such enterprise (Matt, 7:7) and when it had been said that “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea, 4:6) Yet, the clergy flares up and the laity trembles when a thawed mind asks any question that interrogates the content of the Bible from an intellectually searching and analytical perspective.
It is offered that it was the intensity of the pain in Joan’s heart that elicited compassion from another dimension beyond this realm of our everyday experience hence precisely the amount needed was placed in an explicit manner at the path and certainty was made that she’d be the first to thread that path that morning. It was also the same intensity of thought of Blessing and Ugochi that precipitated the materialization of a doctor from another realm to perform the medical marvel in both cases. Call them Angels or what have you, we are not alone in this earth environment. Certainly, other Beings live here with us but in another dimension…
Dr. Osai is an Associate Professor in the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Jason Osai
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.